Fromagerie Abruptly Closes

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RUMSON – David Burke’s Fromagerie restaurant closed its doors Monday, surprising patrons of the French-inspired landmark on Ridge Road.
The iconic high-end restaurant, in business for more than 40 years, was under Burke’s ownership for the past 11. He transformed the menu and decor from its longtime association with classic French food to contemporary American, with dishes like East Coast Oysters, Beef and Citrus Salad, Roasted Amish Chicken Breast, and 55 Day Cowboy Ribeye.
“We thank you for your loyalty to our business in Rumson and for allowing us to serve and support the community for over a decade,” said the David Burke Group in a statement, posted to the Fromagerie website.
“Fromagerie has played an iconic role in Rumson, New Jersey’s culinary and social scenes even far greater than under our reign, and we look forward to passing on the legacy.”
David Burke, who grew up in Hazlet, first worked at Markus and Hubert Peter’s Fromagerie restaurant in the kitchen as a young chef. Later, with experience gained at running the Park Avenue Cafe in New York, he returned to buy and run the famed restaurant, where he introduced original new ideas like cheesecake lollipops and the Hot & Angry Lobster, served with a cool Summer Gazpacho.
“He was a very innovative chef who brought his unique style to the table,” said Two River Times restaurant reviewer Bob Sacks. Of his dishes, he said, “They were very playful.”
David Burke Group said it is expanding into new ventures in New York City, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Chicago, Las Vegas and Aspen later this year.